Online Class: How to Write a Grant Proposal

Learn how to write grants that will get funded in our online course.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 16
    Lessons
  • 29
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 5,413
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 9
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.9
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Imagine unlocking a skill so powerful that it could open doors to endless opportunities, driving change and enabling progress on causes that matter. Welcome to the art of grant writing. This isn't just another course-it's a transformational journey designed to empower you with the tools to secure critical funding, make a meaningful impact, and establish yourself as a trusted professional in a field that's never been more relevant.

Grant writing is about much more than just putting words on paper. It's the vital bridge between innovative ideas and the funding needed to bring them to life. Nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and countless other entities are competing for limited resources-and they need skilled grant writers to help them succeed. In this course, you'll learn to craft proposals that resonate with potential funders, painting a vivid picture of the mission at hand and making a compelling case for why it deserves support. You'll discover the strategies and techniques behind successful grants, from understanding funders' core motivations to articulating project goals and impact in a way that speaks directly to their priorities.

But grant writing isn't just about persuasion. It's about partnership. You'll develop an in-depth understanding of the grant ecosystem, where both sides-grant seekers and grant makers-are aiming for a shared goal. You'll dive into the fundamentals of identifying the right opportunities, studying successful proposals, and mastering the nuances that turn a submission from "interesting" to "essential." Whether it's the specific language funders use, the strategic alignment of your goals with theirs, or the budgeting that shows you've thought through every detail, this course leaves nothing to chance.

What sets this course apart is its practical, hands-on approach. Each lesson is crafted to build your skills step-by-step, from mastering the language of grants and navigating platforms like Grants.gov to understanding the often-overlooked yet crucial details that give proposals the winning edge. You'll practice evaluating and revising drafts, developing a keen eye for what funders value, and learning how to refine ideas into polished, professional proposals. Plus, you'll learn strategies for managing the demands of restricted and complex grants, keeping your projects sustainable long after initial funding is secured.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your expertise, you'll gain confidence and competence with each module. Imagine walking into a room, ready to not only write but also advocate for the causes and organizations you care about. Picture the satisfaction of knowing your skills are driving real-world impact, securing the resources needed to expand educational programs, support vital healthcare initiatives, or advance environmental sustainability.

By the end of this course, you won't just know how to write grants; you'll understand how to build relationships, negotiate terms, and navigate the ever-evolving world of grant funding. You'll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to become an indispensable asset, ready to help organizations of all kinds meet their missions and make a difference.

Enroll now, and step into a future where your words have the power to open doors, transform communities, and bring dreams to life. This is your path to making a lasting impact, one well-crafted grant at a time.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.43 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(3,141 votes)

Lesson 1: Navigating the Path to Funding Success

15 Points
With countless organizations and individuals striving for funding and numerous foundations eager to support meaningful initiatives, the world of grants holds tremendous potential. Every day, announcements for grants, contracts, and funding opportunities flood the public sphere, promising support for projects across various sectors. Additional lesson topics: CAF World Giving Index
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Grant Writing Experience; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Why Grant Writing?
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Projects and Proposals that Will Be Successful and Why

16 Points
Creating a successful grant proposal is a powerful way to transform an inspiring idea into reality. Effective grant writers combine thorough research with detailed storytelling, laying out every aspect of a proposed project clearly and convincingly.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: Defining Success
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Discovering the Power of Grant Writing

19 Points
For many of us, the art of writing proposals is not as unfamiliar as it seems. Every time you've requested something in writing—be it an allowance, a loan, or support from family, friends, or an organization—you've engaged in the fundamental practice of proposal writing.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Grant Writing Success
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: What Makes a Good Grant Writer?
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Understanding Grant Sources and Their Motivations

24 Points
Every year, billions of dollars flow into charitable causes through grants from foundations, corporations, governments, and individuals. The grant writer's task is to understand what drives each type of donor to give and how best to appeal to these motivations.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment: Funding Your Organization
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Staying Informed and Strategic in Grant Writing

18 Points
In the dynamic world of grant writing, staying informed is vital. Grant trends evolve rapidly, and funders continually refine their focus based on shifting societal needs, economic climates, and research priorities.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment: Identifying Trends
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Breaking Down the Grant Proposal Puzzle

19 Points
Creating a grant proposal can sometimes feel like piecing together an intricate puzzle. While each component may initially appear overwhelming, understanding how these elements work together can transform the process from daunting to achievable.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: The Mission Statement
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Action Plans and Their Timelines

17 Points
At the heart of any successful grant proposal is a well-crafted action plan. The action plan doesn't have to be overly complicated; it simply needs to provide a clear, structured roadmap of what the project will achieve, the steps required, and the timeline within which it will operate.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Writing an Action Plan
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Designing, Establishing, and Utilizing an Appropriate Evaluation Plan

18 Points
An evaluation plan is an essential part of any grant proposal, providing a roadmap for assessing the project's effectiveness and impact. Funders often prioritize projects with well-defined evaluation strategies because they offer measurable proof that their investment will lead to tangible results.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Program Evaluation
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Laying the Foundation for Success

15 Points
Even if you feel confident in your understanding of the guidelines or the Request for Proposal (RFP), resist the urge to dive straight into writing. A thorough review of the proposal criteria helps to ensure that no crucial points are overlooked.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Essential Tips and Insights for Aspiring Grant Writers

14 Points
In grant writing, there are certain insights—accumulated over years of practice—that can make the difference between a proposal that resonates with funders and one that falls short.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Reviewing Your Work in a Way That Underscores the Strengths and Reduces the Weaknesses

17 Points
The art of reviewing your work is critical in grant writing. It requires honest, thorough self-assessment without bias or allowances. Convincing yourself that a proposal is "good enough" when it lacks clarity or impact does no service to you or your client.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment: Develop a Timeline
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Crafting a Financial Narrative for Your Grant Proposal

17 Points
A grant proposal budget is more than a list of numbers-it's a detailed map connecting financial resources to project goals. An effective budget is an essential tool that demonstrates to funders that a project is not only well-planned but financially feasible.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment: Creating a Budget
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Perfecting Your Grant Proposal - Presentation, Persuasion, and Personal Connection

15 Points
Even the most compelling ideas can struggle without the right presentation. In the world of grant writing, it's not just about having a great project concept; it's about capturing attention from the first glance, convincing funders that your project is worth their investment.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Navigating Available Online Resources

14 Points
The journey to secure grant funding often involves sifting through various resources, online databases, and guidance platforms to discover viable grants, all while ensuring the information is accurate, secure, and up-to-date.
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Adapting to Various Grant Requirements

14 Points
While most grant proposals follow a conventional format, the journey to secure funding often requires flexibility, as different funders may request alternative methods of submission or impose unique conditions.
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment: Format Preference
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16: The Triumphs of Successful Reporting

90 Points
The demand for accountability of and easy access to information on grants programs has increased tremendously over the past few years, so there certainly needs to be a change in attitude with relation to the standard of reporting regarding grant results.
  • Lesson 16 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Do You Feel Prepared?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: The Final Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
342
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define grant proposal and describe the basic purpose of writing one.
  • Summarize which projects and proposals will be funded and why.
  • Summarize the best places to find money for grant projects.
  • Summarize the key working components of a grant proposal.
  • Describe what action plans are, why they are important, and how to establish their timelines.
  • Design, establish and utilize an appropriate evaluation plan.
  • Demonstrate how to write an appropriate budget for a grant proposal.
  • Create a cover letter and complete the application.
  • Summarize the types of reporting required when landing a grant.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: How to Write a Grant Proposal
Course Number: 7550155
Lessons Rating: 4.43 / 5 Stars (3,141 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is available online in all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: October 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "The course was very helpful and somewhat difficult for me. I learned grant writing is not as simple as I thought it was, you have to be very detailed and collect a lot of data and do a lot of research. But the funny thing is I am still interested in doing grant writing. I am now well-prepared to start grant writing and I feel it is a necessity in our society today. Thank you." -- Lynda W.
  • "I found this class to be the most challenging in Universal Class from the nine courses I have taken. Challenging in a good way and you have to demonstrate resilience to complete the course. ." -- Kelly D.
  • "Great course! I don't think there is much I would change!" -- Jorge A.
  • "Thank you very much for your time, and I learned a lot about the grant writing process." -- Christine B.
  • "Great course and instructor. Look forward to taking more courses." -- Ellen K.
  • "The instructor was awesome." -- James B.
  • "All went very well. Thank you!" -- Veaceslav P.
  • "The material and the links were great and very informative. The assignments were well designed and really helped me to learn as I worked on them." -- Nicole G.
  • "I found it all very useful. I have not written a grant before, and I knew it was time consuming, but this course taught me I will really have to manage my time greatly. I think that one of the parts I liked was the resources that I did not have previously, I had now. " -- Peg J.
  • "I enjoyed the course and had a wonderful instructor." -- Faith R.
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